- Associated Press - Tuesday, September 25, 2018

ARIZONA COYOTES

LAST SEASON: 29-41-12, 70 points. Last in Pacific Division.

COACH: Rick Tocchet (second season, fourth NHL season).

ADDED: C Alex Galchenyuk, F Michael Grabner, F Vinnie Hinostroza, D Jordan Oesterle, D Ilya Lyubushkin.

LOST: F Max Domi, F Jordan Martinook, D Luke Schenn, C Zac Rinaldo.

PLAYER TO WATCH: F Clayton Keller. The skilled forward had a super rookie season, finishing with 23 goals and 42 assists while becoming a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best rookie. Keller had a midseason lull after a superb start to his rookie season and the Coyotes are hoping for even more production his second season as he gains more consistency.

OUTLOOK: The thought of a playoff push had been considered a longshot at best the past few seasons. It could be a reality this season with a still young but talented roster, a year under Tocchet’s system and added scoring depth. A big key will be keeping goalie Antti Raanta healthy after he was limited to 47 games a year ago. Do that and get the scoring boost they’re expecting and don’t be surprised to see the Coyotes in the playoff hunt late in the season.

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More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/tag/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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